Psychological Predictors of Self-reported COVID-19 Outcomes: Results From a Prospective Cohort Study

Ayling, Kieran; Jia, Ru; Coupland, Carol; Chalder, Trudie; Massey, Adam; Broadbent, Elizabeth; Vedhara, Kavita

Abstract

Background: Previous research has shown that psychological factors, such as stress and social support, are associated with greater susceptibility to viral respiratory illnesses and more severe symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a well-documented deterioration in psychological well-being and increased social isolation. This raises questions as to whether those experiencing psychological adversity during the pandemic are more at risk of contracting and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Purpose: To examine the relationship between psychological factors and the risk of COVID-19 self-reported infection and the symptomatic experience of SARS-CoV-2 (indicated by the number and severity of symptoms). Methods: As part of a longitudinal prospective observational cohort study, 1,087 adults completed validated measures of psychological well-being during April 2020 and self-reported incidence of COVID-19 infection and symptom experience across the pandemic through to December 2020. Regression models were used to explore these relationships controlling for demographic and occupational factors. Results: Greater psychological distress during the early phase of the pandemic was significantly associated with subsequent self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the experience of a greater number and more severe symptoms. Conclusions: COVID-19 infection and symptoms may be more common among those experiencing elevated psychological distress. Further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations is needed.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 25, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jan 3, 2022
• Publication Date: May 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Nov 25, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 4, 2023
• Journal: Annals of Behavioral Medicine
• Print ISSN: 0883-6612
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 56
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 484-497
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaab106
• Keywords: Psychiatry and Mental health; General Psychology
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/6788080
• Publisher URL: https://academic.oup.com/abm/advance-article/doi/10.1093/abm/kaab106/6494327